Central African Republic president hands in son for unpaid hotel bill

President François Bozizé's son was detained after he failed to pay charges of up to £9,600 at Ledger Plaza hotel in Bangui

The Central African Republic's president, François Bozizé, 'decided to lock up his son at the police station because he failed to pay the bill', a diplomatic source said. Photograph: Desirey Minkoh/AFP/Getty Images

When Kevin Bozizé ran up an extravagant bill at a five-star hotel in the Central African Republic, he may have expected his father to take care of it. After all, dad is also the country's president. So it may have come as a nasty surprise when instead his father summoned him then turned him over to the police.

President François Bozizé's son was detained for several days after he failed to pay charges of up to €12,000 (£9,608) at a hotel in Bangui, the capital, one of the world's most impoverished and volatile states.

The bills included the cost of a room along with meals and services at the Ledger Plaza hotel, whose website shows pictures including a gym, luxury spa and massage tables.

Kevin Bozizé, reportedly a captain in the national army, was held by a police investigations unit on 6 November.

A diplomatic source in Bangui said: "The head of state decided to lock up his son at the police station because he failed to pay the bill. Most people did not expect him to do this. Kevin Bozizé misbehaves from time to time and this is the first time his father has reacted to his misconduct."

The source, who did not wish to be named, added: "The president made a deal this weekend and paid the bill so his son could go free."

The president's son is said to be one of several prominent national figures, including army officers, who owe debts at the hotel and risk being put on trial unless they settle immediately.

The Ledger Plaza is described by Wikitravel as the newest five-star hotel in Bangui. "Spacious rooms with airconditioning," the site says. "Located 15 minutes from airport. Hotel provides free WiFi but blocks some applications (Skype). Nice breakfast included in price. Bar, restaurant, gym. No problem with electricity."

François Bozizé rose to become a high-ranking army officer under the regime of Jean-Bédel Bokassa, the self-crowned emperor of the republic who was deposed in 1979.

Bozizé seized power in a coup in 2003 and has since won elections widely criticised as flawed. Last month, three men were arrested on suspicion of plotting to overthrow him.